By Mitchell Clarke
Over 100 people gathered at the Pakenham Racecourse on Friday night to enjoy a relaxed night of racing, dinner and drinks as they rubbed shoulders with the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
Organised by the Mount Cannibal and District Preservation Group, secretary David Bywater explained how fantastic it was that the Victorian Racing Club (VRC) allowed the 2019 Melbourne Cup to be brought to the event.
“Everyone was really surprised and pleased to see the cup and get their photo taken with it,” Mr Bywater said.
In attendance, VRC historian Dr Andrew Lemon provided commentary about the history of the Melbourne Cup alongside well-known jockey Joe Agrestra who brought his humour and racing knowledge to the discussion.
But the event was also held as a fundraiser to provide greater awareness around preserving a region which is currently considered “under threat”.
“The area around Bunyip North was severely hit by the March bushfires and Mount Cannibal has been extremely damaged,” Mr Bywater said.
“The evening was arranged to show how Mount Cannibal is making its recovery and how we can best protect it and the general region from future dangers of any kind.
Member of the organising committee Milan Velimirovic said it was great to record such a turnout from the event.
“We were delighted to see over 100 people attend this event and show their interest and support for the restoration and future protection of one of our state’s most iconic and precious landmarks,” Mr Velimirovic said.
“We were also very thankful for the high profile the event received with the continuing support of the well-known artist and cartoonist Mark Knight who donated his original 150th Anniversary Melbourne Cup painting for auction at the event.”
Arguably the highlight of the night was the auctioning of the painting which was handled by auctioneer Gerard Collins, who took the bidding up to record levels with the hammer falling at a significant but undisclosed price.
Mr Collins spoke about monetary, personal amenity and environmental values and said he would be “very concerned” if the region was altered by any large scale industrial development, claiming there would be a significant impact on the enjoyment that people have in the area.
“I have lived in and worked in this area for many years and love the peace and quiet and tranquillity of it all,” he added.
Profits raised from the night will be split between the Mount Cannibal and Friends Committee and the Mount Cannibal and District Preservation Group.
